Highlights of the AMH55 include automated instrument operation, which combines the tasks of sample testing, measuring, converting, and documenting into one automated instrument. Advanced image recognition technology broadens the measuring capabilities on various types of sample surfaces. The Cornerstone brand software gives the user complete control over their analysis parameters, method settings, calibrations, reporting and more. A touch-screen interface with automatic software capabilities, such as simultaneous auto alignment and auto parfocal adjustment, delivers increased speed, ease-of-use, and repeatability to the analysis. An optional advanced analysis module further details the analysis with a color hardness and contour map feature, as well as auto indent placement.

The AMH55 is available in several model configurations, so users can choose the model that best fits their application. Models include the AMH55 automatic, semi-automatic, and lite configurations, each easily upgradeable to the fully automatic version.

George Vander Voort launches major website to promote his consulting business. The site is a treasure trove of information related to metallography/materialography, image analysis, EBSD techniques etc. in the form of Power Point presentations converted to PDF. To learn more, visit www.georgevandervoort.com .

Struers Inc. Launches the DuraScan; a New Micro/Macro Hardness Testing Line with Extended Load Range and Extremely Fast, Efficient and Fully Automatic Test Cycles. The DuraScan, designed in five basic models, each with varying levels of automation, has a unique test load range of 10 gf – 10 kgf providing a level of versatility and flexibility with multiple test methods and application usage.
For additional information visit http://www.struers.com/default.asp?top_id=2&main_id=93&sub_id=141&doc_id=1032.

A 68 page book with 39 color images, written in Slovak and
English, was published in 2001 and is now available. “Colour
Metallography of Ferrous Alloys” was written by Prof., Dr. Petr
Skocovský and Dr. Tomáš Podrábský of the University of Žilina in
Slovakia (ISBN 80-7100-911-3). The book is available from the
university bookstore for $20. Write to them at:

Edited by Mr. George F. Vander Voort, a Fellow of ASM and
world-renowned expert in the field of metallographic microstructural
analysis, the new edition contains 30 new articles with substantive
updates to other areas. “This vital update is the result of substantial
changes in automation, equipment, consumable products and preparation
methodology, as well as new metals, alloys and manufacturing
technologies that have emerged since 1985” said Mr. Vander Voort.

Revised content on standard specimen preparation of metallic and
non-metallic materials, new equipment and techniques, digital imaging
and analysis, microstructural interpretation, and the physical
metallurgy/science of microstructural features is now included.
Hundreds of new micrographs can be found throughout the volume along
with an expanded section of color micrographs. The new volume replaces
the 775 pg edition published in 1985.

To submit micrographs for publication in the ASM Micrograph Center Online contact Fran Cverna at micrograph@asminternational.org, or click on the Contribute link at http://products.asminternational.org/mgo/index.jsp.
Submissions are peer reviewed before publication. Current acquisition
priorities are those material groups with disproportionately small
representation: refractory alloys, stainless steels, and tool steels.
Submissions showing newly developed alloys from all material groups, or
microstructures resulting from new improvement in processing, are
always encouraged.